Do you ever wonder what it would take to be a strong, energetic person or to raise a healthy family? If you find yourself pulled and confused by all the options for better health, you are not alone. Organic produce, multivitamins, supplements…when did being healthy become so complicated and expensive?

One question that we want to address today is whether eating organic produce is better than conventional produce and what the benefits and drawbacks of buying organic are.

6 Benefits of eating organic foods:

1. Control cravings –

Have you ever been around a pregnant woman? She gets unexplainable cravings for foods which she does not even understand; like pickles or chocolate. The reason behind the craving is a deficiency in certain nutrients.

A craving is your body's way of prompting you to seek and deliver what it is missing in the way of nutrition.

Consider this: people who consume a diet high in processed (dead) foods usually suffer with serious nutritional deficiencies beginning with “uncontrollable” cravings, usually for more processed foods.

Studies have shown that because of their high-nutrient content, people who eat organic produce have their nutritional requirements “topped off” and so they do not have to deal with nasty cravings. Furthermore, when they do lack a nutrient, their habit of delivering nutrients through lean foods will prompt them to a lower-calorie and lower-fat food to fill that deficiency.

1. Weight maintenance –

A natural progression and result of controlled cravings. Just imagine: you, more controlled, not getting attacked all the time with nasty sugar cravings!

1. Higher nutritional value –

Compared to conventional produce, which is grown in soil that never gets a break and so never restores its nutrients, organic produce is grown in ground that is usually given a chance to rest and so it is a healthier environment for growth. Think of the mother who is unhealthy and nutritionally deficient. She is more likely to give birth to an unhealthy baby that also suffers the symptoms of nutritional deficiency.

One more thing: organic produce is grown in soil containing less herbicides and pesticides and every other poisons making it cleaner and safer for you to eat. Keep in mind that these chemicals build up in your body and may eventually lead to disease and interfere with weight loss.

1. More usable energy –

Food, real food, not that packaged and processed stuff, is the original plan to sustain life and growth. Better than multivitamins, magic pills, crèmes and surgeries, whole, natural, clean foods are the most powerful way to deliver quick, usable energy to your body.

1. Support more wholesome farming practices that will preserve the earth longer –

Our growing demands are leading to earth “burnout” (nutritionally deficient, overused soil). There are a growing number of farmers trying to preserve the land and grow foods in their seasons, giving the earth much-needed rest breaks. When you eat organic produce you are supporting their efforts and sending the message that this is a better way.

1. “Better behavior” seed –

There may be a positive psychological effect to eating organic. When you make the financial investment to eat better, subconsciously you begin to value your health more and treat your body with more respect and responsibility. This may lead to weight loss, improved self-image and maybe even a desire to exercise (the infamous curse word)!!

2 Difficulties of eating organic foods:

1 .     Cost –

While we may be convinced of all the benefits of eating organic food, its high price can be a serious deterrent. As Dr. Jordan Rubin says, “You will either pay the farmer more now or the doctor more, later. You choose.”

2. Availability –

Although it is available at more grocers and in greater variety, organic produce is still not as readily available as conventional produce.

Overall, there are more advantages to eating organic produce versus conventional produce. However, cost and availability can be compelling barriers to making the change. But don't let either of these reasons get in your way to better health. Here are some tips to help you keep it simple:

· Make it your aim to seek organic produce vendors. You can ask around or search on the Internet.

· You don't have to go ALL organic. Even if you just buy a couple of organic produce, you will be better off than having none. Start with items that accumulate higher levels of chemicals because of their larger surface area or thin skin, like celery and apples.

· Whatever you currently spend on multivitamins, elixirs and supplements each month, take that same amount of money and use it to buy organic produce. You will not end up spending any more money and at the same time you will be delivering more usable energy to your body.

We are willing to invest money to maintain and repair our “stuff”. You take good care of your home, cars, clothes and electronic gadgets but when it comes to your bodies, the one machine that will be with you longer than any other, you get lazy and stingy.

If you believe that prevention is better than cure, then start today to be generous with yourself and willing to invest more in your health. Every small step counts.

Here's what I say: to the best of your ability, care for your body in the most natural healthy ways that you can. Since you will be what you are eating, eat what gives strength and energy, begin to add organic produce to your days and you will enjoy a life brimming with better health, strength and energy!

Past Newsletters:

July 24 - Learn to Slow Down

July 31 - Get Motivated

August 7 - Fire up your Metabolism!

August 21 - Code Red - Stress Alert

September 4 - 6 Real Ways to De-stress!

September 18 - All Carbs Are Not Created Equal!

October 2, 2006 – Is Your Protein Powerful Or Pitiful?

October 16, 2006 – Fat: Fact or Fiction?

November 13, 2006 - 5 Life-Changing Principles of Eating

November 29, 2006 – Reprogram Yourself For 2007

December 11, 2006 – Make IT Doable & You Will Do It!

January 8, 2007 – Count it ALL…Joy!

January 22, 2007 – Tri Something New!

February 5, 2007 – The Power of a “Meaningful” Touch!

February 19, 2007 – The Anatomy Of Life!

March 5, 2007 – Organics: Go or No-go?